Pamelia Lake backpack, Aug 24th

Several friends had been visiting Pamelia Lake this year and posting amazing pictures in facebook. After looking for a while, it was clear we needed to add this to our to-do list. So one day, Val and I were sitting trying to plan an outing. We had several choices but decided to try our luck and see if we could get permits for Pamelia. Incredibly enough, we scored the last couple of permits for that weekend. Late on Friday we packed our gear and drove to the trailhead where we spent the first night in the car. It was something we wanted to try so we could have an early start without the rush of driving there. That turned out to be a great idea. On Saturday, we woke bright and early to a fabulous blue sky day. Soon after breakfast we hit the trail heading towards Pamelia Lake. That portion of the trail was interesting as we could see that the area get a fair amount of rain. Most of the trail is covered with dozens of little streams that crisscross the forest floor. Suddenly, we got to the lake. We were expecting a view like the one you get when you reach Coldwater Lake in Mt St Helens. Reality was a bit different. You can see the lake but not much of it. From there we veered off towards the PCT taking the long way towards Hunts Cove, our destination for the night. Once on the PCT, we were welcomed with some fantastic views of the area



From that point, the trail followed the side of the mountain with views of Hunts Creek and Pamelia Lake far below. Then we made a turn and found ourselves traversing a meadow with several small lakes, many of them without names, until we reached Mud Lake. Mud Lake is a medium shallow pond that’s named only in guides, not in maps, still it’s very easy to see why it’s named that way



We found a nice rock outcrop just above the lake where we stopped for lunch. From that point we got a clear view of what we originally thought was just a rock hill. Later, while studying the map, we realized we were looking at the west side of Mt Jefferson. We took our time to walk around and take pictures around the lake and while doing that, we found this little guy



After that, we continued towards Shale Lake. From the trail you can see it’s a very small lake but it has some pretty impressive views. We walked around to a campsite we saw from the distance and found the iconic, postcard like, view of this hike. From this vantage point you can see Shale Lake with the reflection of Mt Jefferson in the back. It was truly an inspiring view



Several pictures after, we continued on the PCT towards the Hunts Creek trail. This section of the trail was incredible as every turn offered a new view. On one side we could see our destination far below and on the other, a ridge line that almost invites you to climb Mt Jefferson. Towards the junction, we noticed a hill to the side where the soil had an intense red color. A bit later we noticed the connector trail we would be taking down to the lakes. Just as we did that, we saw the first clouds come from west and move quickly to cover the top of the mountain. By then we were a bit tired so we continued hiking down until we got to Hanks Lake. Once there we both got a bit indecisive. Usually we have a pretty good idea where we want to stay, but for some reason, that was not the case this time. We saw some viable and available campsites around Hanks Lake but notices they were pretty close to the trail. Since we wanted a bit more privacy, we decided to continue on to Hunts Lake. There we fund a campsite at the very end of the trail and another in the bushes. Not completely contempt with that, we went back to Hanks Lake and walked around. After a while both Val and I reached a point where we just needed to drop our bags, we were starving. Finally we made the call and went back to Hunts Lake, dropped our bags and cook dinner while setting up the tent. At dusk, the clouds were moving over the ridge and the sun was painting them orange. It was quite a sight that we enjoyed for a while before going to bed.



We went to bed and I started thinking about what to say or when to propose. Normally when Val and I go backpacking, we wake up early in the morning and before we have breakfast, we go out for a walk. I thought that would be a perfect opportunity for me to propose. Besides, it was our two year anniversary. Well, the plan was not realized. At some point during the night, it started raining so we woke up early as usual with the sound of ran drops over our tent. We took a peek outside and it was raining hard enough to keep us from going out. At that point I knew I had to change the plan, quick. So I turned around, picked up the ring I had in my camera bag, turned back around and managed to kneel in the tent. Grabbed Val’s hand and simply proposed. It was a magic moment for both of us. On one side she was not expecting it and new nothing about the ring and I wasn’t expecting her reaction. She did say yes.



After that magic moment, we managed to have breakfast in the tent and pack everything without getting stuff wet. It was nice we were not in a hurry as we had a short hike back out. At some point midmorning, we finally decided to get out packs on and hit the trail. Needless to say the hike back was full of laughter and kisses under the rain. Both Val and I got soaking wet but what can I say, I went out with a good friend and came back with a wife to be. How can you beat that?



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Eden Park via Vista Ridge, Aug 10th

Can a hike be both beautiful and eerie at the same time? Yes, this one is. For this weekend Brian, Mark and Carol had planned to go backpacking. Unfortunately I wasn’t ready to do that as I was recovering from my thumb accident. Still, we though a day hike was something we could easily do. Knowing the route Mark and Brian where thinking of taking for the weekend, Val and I decided to hike in the same area with the hopes of bumping into them. The day was a bit gloomy but not bad to the point of keeping us away from the mountain so we headed out to the Vista Ridge trail. We didn’t realize beforehand that this trail borders the remnants of the Dollar Lake fire back in 2011. As we hiked up the Vista Ridge trail, we found a completely burned down forest that looked almost like an image taken from a Tim Burton’s movie. Seeing all the trees still standing up but completely burned was very eerie. Even with the amount of destruction, I couldn’t say it was ugly. The scenery was spectacular in its own way. As we gained elevation, we came out and went back into the fire boundary several times until we finally got a glimpse of Mt Hood. By then, the weather was turning grey. We continued until we found the junction with the Timberline trail and turned west towards Cairn Basin. From this point on, we completely left the fire area and entered a lush green meadow full of wildflowers and beauty. It almost seemed that we had been teletransported to another place. Closer to the shelter we found even more burned out sections but not as big as the ones on Vista Ridge. We got to the shelter and decided to stop for lunch just behind it where the flowers and views of the mountain were pretty incredible. Luck was not with me at that point as I opted for waiting until had finished my sandwich to take a picture. By then, the mountain was completely gone behind the clouds. We waited a bit to see if they would move but that didn’t happen so after a while we just took off towards Eden Park. It was pretty much downhill from that point on with more than a couple of stream crossings. We saw probably two more hikers but no sign of Mark and Brian. Finally we looped back to the Vista Ridge trail and hiked back to the car. The eerie part of this hike did not finished there though. Just coming out of Lolo Pass road, we decided to stop and get something to eat at Sky Wax. While there, weather turned bad incredibly quickly going from grey to stormy to lighting and hail. Back in the car and driving home we got an emergency message on the radio calling everyone to evacuate the area as there was a huge storm coming that way. We feared for Mark and Brian as we thought they were up in the area we hiked. Luckily we learned that they found out about the bad weather at the last minute and decided to change their plans and go somewhere else. They were ok although still got part of the downpour and had to cut the weekend short.



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Grassy Knoll and Big Huckleberry Mountain, Jul 13th

Located in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest on the Washington side of the Columbia Gorge, Grassy Knoll is one of those hikes that are seldom overlooked. Getting there is part of the fun, in fact, the first time I went there; I thought I was in the right place only to find later I was a mile away from the actual trailhead. This time, knowing that good piece of information I was able to get the group to the trailhead without getting lost. Once on the trail you don’t have to wait long for the views. Soon after starting, the trail reaches the ridgeline traveling north. To the east the views are outstanding and even eerie as you see a big plain, all green, all covered in trees. It almost seems out of place to have an extension of land almost flat in the idle of the cascades. Looking at a map you realize that big expansion is the big lava bed, an ancient lava flow that leveled everything in its path. On the other side, far in the Distance, beautiful Mt Adams stands there looking at you. Not long after starting the trail makes a turn and you get some views towards the south that include Mt Hood and the Columbia River basin. And then, you get to the first destination, grassy Knoll. This flat area is where the old fire lookout tower used to be. You can still see some remnant of the tower as you enjoy the views around. From there, after a short break, we continued north towards Big Huckleberry, our second destination. The trail is not much different as it continues meandering thru the ridge until it gets to a point where a sharp turn right takes you to the summit. This summit is a bit less inspiring than Grassy Knoll as views are a bit limited. Still, it offers several spots where you can drop your pack and enjoy a nice lunch in the company of your hiking buddies.



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Silver Star: Grouse Vista – Sturgeon Rock loop, Jun 30th

I have to say that Silver Star is still one of my favorite hikes near the Gorge. Not only any approach you take is challenging and beautiful but it’s also a very rewarding hike. From the summit the views expand 360 degrees and can include several peaks in the cascades. This time Val and I lucked out with a perfect day and vistas extending all the way to Mt Rainier on the north and Jefferson to the South. The hike from Grouse Vista is one I’ve done several times before as it’s the closest to drive to. The first part though just traverses thru forested areas but soon, after you pass the Pyramid Rock everything opens up. I recall last time I was in the area on a very cold winter day that ended up obscuring everything. Even like that it was beautiful. This time though, we had a marvelous display of wildflowers all the way with clear views of the summit and Sturgeon Rock. We made it first to the summit and visited the north side for just a minute to take a picture or two. Since there was a big group resting there, we went to the South side of the summit to enjoy a more peaceful lunch with open views towards Mt Hood. On our way back instead of doing the longer ridge trail and descending to the Tarbell trail, we did the shorter Sturgeon Rock trail instead. On the way down, we found a foot path leading up to the rock so we veered of trail and went up to check it out. The views from up there are something I’d never seen before. Been able to see the south side of the summit, at almost eye level was pretty interesting. Also, the view south that glimpsed over the Gorge toward Mt Hood was also very interesting. From there we continued on the trail towards the Tarbell trail and then closed the loop returning to the car. Needless to say it was a marvelous hike in the company of my sweetheart



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Puppy Dog Mountain, Jun 9th

This is what happens when you’re just lazy. You go out to do a known hike, a trail that you could do with your eyes closed and then, half way up you decide to turn around and go back down…. So instead of doing Dog Mountain, probably the best known hike in the Columbia Gorge next to Angel’s rest, we did Puppy Dog which is the exact same trail but just to the first view point where the trail turns back on a switchback and climbs to the top of Dog. We did the hike with Ramon, Lisa and Marcel who proved to be a great hiker and very nice company. It was a beautiful day with splendid views of the Gorge and plenty of wildflowers blooming all around.



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